San Francisco’s Candlestick Park opened in April of 1960. It was one of the country’s first “modern” sports stadiums, constructed almost entirely of reinforced concrete. Vice President Richard Nixon, who threw the game’s opening pitch, described Candlestick as “the greatest baseball park in America.” The sports stadium had been designed by San Francisco-based architect John Savage Bolles.

Bolles had created his design for Candlestick Park with the microclimate a major consideration, but due to budget constraints his plans were not implemented in their entirety. From the time of its opening, the park was plagued by strong winds and frigid air. Candlestick Park was enclosed in the 1970s, but the winds continue to be a problem. The stadium is currently home to the San Francisco 49ers football team.

Following the completion of Candlestick Park, the stadium was widely celebrated for its innovative design.

“It’s time to give credit where credit is due. The team of Contractor Charles Harney and Architect John Bolles has erected the most magnificent baseball stadium in the world today.” - News-Call Bulletin, December 27, 1959

Further, it is an iconic symbol of San Francisco history. The site of several Super Bowl wins, it is also the location of the last public Beatles concert.

How to Join

Membership to Docomomo Noca is through Docomomo US. Members receive the bi-annual DOCOMOMO US newsletter, discounts to US and regional tours, lectures and events, including the International Conference, inclusion in the online DOCOMOMO social network, and membership in a regional chapter.

How to Donate

As an all-volunteer organization, Docomomo NOCA relies on the generous contributions of our friends and supporters in addition to any grants we may receive. If you value the quality architectural tours, events, and programs we produce every year and support our advocacy efforts and projects, then please donate today.